PARAMARIBO – The people who reside in the Matawai area were recently shocked to see that the bridge that was built just six months ago has been washed away. What started as a promise for a better connection to the outside world has ended in chaos and concern.
The members of the local community stated that the project is a clear example of corners being cut for a political show. The wooden bridge which connected the villages in the area was swallowed by the water in less than half a year. The frame that was constructed to support the bridge was no match for the force of nature. Local residents explained that the local material that was used namely tree logs was the biggest reason for the collapse of the bridge. “I kept saying that the bridge was fragile but they laughed at me. The district commissioner did not approve of my opinion. But look at the result: total destruction just a few days prior to the general elections. To make matters worse the local community will not be able to fulfill its civic duty. The people can't go to the designated polling stations. The bridge was the only access to the other side. We do not deserve this. Especially not at such an important moment,” said a local resident. The construction of the bridge was reportedly financed with local funds and in association with a foundation. It is unclear who was responsible for the construction of this bridge. Local individuals and businesses feel excluded and labelled this a lack of transparency and involvement.” The local residents feel abandoned and complained about the lack of transparency and involvement. “We got a bridge that was made of rocks and tree logs although we had asked for a concrete bridge,” said a local resident.